A Clue With a Double Meaning

by J. R. Lindermuth

About the Author: J. R. Lindermuth is a retired newspaper reporter/editor and currently serves as librarian of his county historical society. He is the author of 15 novels and his stories and articles have been published in a variety of magazines. He lived and worked for a period in South Korea and this story is one of a number inspired by that experience.

Excerpt

“You were friends?”

Though he might not have considered me a suspect, it was obvious the police officer found our relationship interesting in view of Young Jun’s murder.

I didn’t blame him for being suspicious. This soon after the war, many Koreans distrusted foreigners. His mocking tone told me he found it difficult to believe a Catholic priest and a shaman might find common ground. Yet, strange as it seemed, Young Jun and I had become close in recent months.

“Yes. It was what we had in common, not our differences that brought us close.” I could see the officer didn’t understand. I sought to explain. “The church sends its servants where it sees need. That isn’t always the most convenient for us.”

We were disturbed then as my housekeeper entered with a tray and the tea I’d requested when the officer arrived. A young girl, pretty despite a tendency to chubbiness, she moved quietly on stocking feet, head bowed as she served us. “I’m a man of the city,” I said after she’d departed. “I’m not really comfortable in a rural setting like this place. Oh, I don’t want to come off sounding like a snob, but I’ve had some trouble adjusting to life here among these simple farming people.”

The officer grinned, showing a gold tooth. “From what I’ve heard, the people seem to like you.” He took a sip of tea, then broke off a tendril of the dried squid Eun-cha had brought as a snack to go with our drinks.

“They’re very polite.”

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